- Home form: FC Lahti have won 5, drawn 3 and lost 2 home games in Veikkausliiga 2026.
- Away form: KuPS have won 5, drawn 3 and lost just 1 of their 9 away games in Veikkausliiga 2026.
Classic control vs counter contest awaits
Sunday's Veikkausliiga 2026 clash at Lahden Stadion, Finland between 7th placed FC Lahti and the runaway Veikkausliiga 2026 leaders KuPS should be a clash of styles that can really grip those who enjoy the beautiful game.
Goncalo Pereira has taken FC Lahti up to another level since taking over in January 2025, but his team's identity is still the same, built on defensive organisation and compactness, with speed and vertical play offering the main outlet up top.
Miika Nuutinen has overseen a similar story at KuPS, who have continued to operate with possession and structure since he took over in January 2026. The champions in waiting have played through the thirds well all season, with midfield overloads creating the bulk of their chances.
While FC Lahti have won 3, drawn 1 and lost 1 in their last 5 in all competitions, KuPS have won 2, drawn 2 and lost 1. The leaders won't have it all their own way on Sunday, although they are by no means underdogs.
Nuutinen’s men have that cutting edge up top
Recent results
The last two of these games were against strong teams in the shape of FF Jaro and FC Inter Turku respectively, and those results should not be seen as a slide.
- Lahti's last 3 games have seen them lose 1-0 away to Ilves, win 2-0 at home to FF Jaro and draw 0-0 away at FC Inter Turku.
- KuPS, who have drawn their last 2 games in a row, are by no means cruising into this one.
Match outlook
Lahti's recent form and home results suggest this derby will be a touch close, with the away side having to dig in to edge it.
Head-to-head
Their recent head-to-head record is perfect with 5 wins from the last 5 meetings, including a 2-1 success at home over FC Lahti just 2 months ago.
Key players
Jaime Moreno is KuPS' danger man with 10 goals in 17 Veikkausliiga 2026 games and his ability to slice through defences gives them a cutting edge that FC Lahti cannot match. Neemias Barbosa is the home team's most dangerous player, with 4 goals in 16 Veikkausliiga 2026 appearances, and he scored a brace in his side's last 5 game win-loss cycle.
Hosts will make it a game
KuPS are the control team and Lahti are the counter team and, while both have played 4-3-3 this season, it will be the side that controls the ball best, does the best half-space work and best transitions that will win.
Both teams to score at 1.62 is our main selection for this game as both sides can play some good soccer, but KuPS' recent form is mixed, and they have a perfect recent head-to-head record against the hosts, so they are our pick to nick it.
